Survival tips for two-wheeled wandering around Seattle

An electric LimeBike parked near the water with downtown Seattle in the distance.

An electric LimeBike parked near the water with downtown Seattle in the distance.

Photo: Pam Mandel / Special To The Chronicle

Photo: Pam Mandel / Special To The Chronicle

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An electric LimeBike parked near the water with downtown Seattle in the distance.

An electric LimeBike parked near the water with downtown Seattle in the distance.

Photo: Pam Mandel / Special To The Chronicle

Survival tips for two-wheeled wandering around Seattle

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Bike-share programs abound in Seattle, but not all of this hilly city is pedal-friendly. Here’s what to know if you’re planning to wander on two wheels:

— Pam Mandel

Find your bike: Bikes come in green, yellow or orange, and they’re all over town. Seattle has three bike-share providers: Ofo (www.ofo.com), Spin (www.spin.pm) and LimeBike (www.limebike.com). They’ve made getting around Seattle a lot more fun. The downhill parts, anyway.

Charge uphill: LimeBike is currently the only provider with electric bikes. The battery changes the center of gravity on your ride and makes for a heavier bike, but it also flattens the hills. The app shows estimated mileage remaining in the charge — take note of it before you commit. Mileage ratings are unreliable — if you’re worried about distance, subtract about 20 percent from the available mileage to make sure the battery doesn’t die before you reach your destination.

Photo: Genna Martin / SeattlePI.com

LimeBike, one of two dock-less bike share programs in Seattle, has placed bikes for public use around the city, including these two in the lower Queen Anne area of Seattle. Bikes are unlocked via an app and do not come with helmets.

LimeBike, one of two dock-less bike share programs in Seattle, has...

Heads up: Seattle has a helmet law within city limits. Consider bringing a helmet with you from home or renting from a bike shop once you’re in town. Obey all traffic signs and don’t wear headphones while you ride. There’s a lot of construction around Seattle and crews don’t always consider bikes when they set up detours. You may be routed into traffic. Take your time.

Find your trail:The Elliott Bay Trail, the Alki Beach Trail, and the Burke-Gilman Trail are used by runners, bikers and skaters — and they’re all accessible for riders of all skill levels. Cascade Bicycle Club has an exhaustive directory of bicycle maps on their website (www.cascade.org/explore/bike-maps).

Be nice: Use your voice or bell (if you’ve got one) to alert other riders when you want to pass. When you’re riding with friends, ride single file, especially in crowded areas. It’s OK to ride on the sidewalk and sometimes, that’s the safest choice, but give right of way to pedestrians. Be nice to the bike, too. When your ride is over, park the bike where it’s visible but safely out of the way of traffic, other cyclists and pedestrians.